Ontario invests $106,000 in festivals, events across Renfrew County
The Ontario government has announced a $106,000 investment to support seven festivals and events in Renfrew County through the 2025 Experience Ontario program. The funding aims to celebrate Canadian and local culture, encourage tourism, and provide a boost to the local economy.
The announcement was made by Billy Denault, member of provincial parliament for Renfrew-Nipissing-Pembroke. The funding is part of a broader $20-million provincial initiative intended to help event organizers expand their programming and attract visitors who contribute to local economies by staying in accommodations, dining in restaurants, shopping at local stores, and supporting small businesses.
“We are very pleased that the Government of Ontario has provided over $105,000 through the Experience Ontario program to the riding of Renfrew–Nipissing–Pembroke,” Denault said. “This investment will go a long way in showcasing the incredible festivals and vibrant communities we’re proud to call our own.”
The following events in the region have received provincial support:
The Pembroke Public Library received $20,000 for the 2025 Pembroke Multicultural Festival.
The Beachburg Fair, organized by the Beachburg Agricultural Society, received $20,000.
The Palmer Rapids River Festival, hosted by the Paddler Co-op, also received $20,000.
The Town of Petawawa was granted $2,275 for its Farm to Trail and Pints & Gourds events.
Downtown Pembroke Buskerfest, organized by the Pembroke Business Improvement Area, was allocated $20,000.
The Guitars & Gasoline Music Festival at Calabogie Motorsports Park received $20,000.
The Township of Killaloe, Hagarty and Richards was awarded $3,868 for its Canada Day celebrations.
Colton Charbonneau, community development coordinator for the Township of Killaloe, Hagarty and Richards said thanks to the funding from Experience Ontario, the township is not just keeping Canada Day alive, but making it something people will want to come back to, year after year.
“We are extremely grateful to receive the Ontario Experience grant for the 169th Beachburg Fair,” said Brenna Jansen, president of the Beachburg Agricultural Society. “This support empowers us to enhance our programming, celebrate agriculture, and create an unforgettable experience for all attendees. The grant not only bolsters our local economy but also strengthens community spirit, ensuring the fair remains a cherished tradition in the Ottawa Valley.”
Experience Ontario 2025 is supporting more than 350 festivals and events across the province. According to the province, tourism remains a key economic driver, with visitors to Ontario spending $33 billion in 2023, supporting over 325,000 jobs.
Since its inception under the names Reconnect Ontario and Celebrate Ontario, the Experience Ontario program has supported over 2,000 festivals and events since 2021. In the 2024-2025 fiscal year alone, more than $20 million was invested to support over 250 festivals and events across Ontario.
The province notes that these investments help strengthen communities by increasing visitor spending in local businesses and encouraging longer stays in the area. The application period for Experience Ontario 2025 opened on November 28, 2024, and closed on December 30, 2024, following direct outreach to more than 4,000 stakeholders.
In a press release, Stan Cho, minister of Tourism, Culture and Gaming, said festivals and events showcase the best of Ontario; it’s people and its culture all while inviting people near and far to experience and enjoy the province.
“They help create local jobs, provide economic benefits and bring communities together,” he said. “Now more than ever, it is important that we come together to take part in made-in-Ontario experiences that celebrate our collective identity and support local communities.”
Organizers interested in applying for the 2026 round of funding can contact the Ministry of Tourism, Culture and Sport at experienceontario@ontario.ca to be added to the contact list.
By Anthony Dixon, Pembroke Observer
